9 November 1833
Several distinguished Indians visited us today, among them, the Mandan chief Mató-Tópe, who liked our Indian portraits very much. He recognized several of them. This is a noble man, upright, and proud. He has often given away items of great value [when] they were [simply] considered to be interesting or nice [by the person receiving them]. On some occasions his kindness was repaid with ingratitude, and he behaved nobly. The painter Catlin, who was here last year, ordered from him two attractively painted buffalo robes of great value. Mató-Tópe made every effort to paint them very beautifully [and] also bought two expensive elk hides for that purpose. Catlin gave him in return only a few small, insignificant things. The Indian did not accept this gift but handed it back, saying that, since Catlin must be a very poor man, it would be [Mató-Tópe’s] pleasure to give him the hides as a present. As generous as he is, his glory in war is [as high]. He campaigned with the Hidatsas against the Cheyennes. When [the warriors] met on the prairie, a Cheyenne chief rode forth and called: “Is Mató-Tópe among you?” [Four Bears] rode out right away. They dismounted and went at each other. They shot at each other. Mató-Tópe’s powder horn was shot to pieces [and] his shot missed. Then they jumped from their horses. The Cheyenne wanted to stab [Four Bears] with his knife, but the Mandan was faster [and] grabbed it, wounding his hand; with [that knife he] stabbed the enemy chief to death. Mató-Tópe has the most coups among his people and is very respected.